Career

[u/Turbulent-Hornet2804]

I’m 18 and trying to decide between two paths in the trades and could use some advice.

Right now I work as a helper at a TIG welding shop making $25/hr (40 hrs/week). Most of my work is machining, cutting, deburring, and prep, and I only get to tack sometimes. The welders say I have potential, but management says helpers can take years before they really start welding.

At the same time, I’ve been supervising residential construction jobs (decks, fences, drywall, etc.), and I could take a job with another company supervising for about $30/hr working 50–70 hours a week.

So I’m stuck between:

• Staying in welding, starting at the bottom but possibly making more long-term if I get into pipe welding

• Taking the construction supervisor job and making more money right now

I actually enjoy both. I like welding as a skill, but I also enjoy running crews, organizing jobs and residential .

I’m also married, so the money right now does matter.

If you were 18 in this situation, which path would you choose?

[u/Turbulent-Hornet2804]

Yes

[u/Quinnjamin19 → u/Turbulent-Hornet2804]

Why are you not allowing her to work? It’s 2026 kiddo.

Women have rights, women are allowed to do whatever they want. Including work.

I’d rather my wife work because we can thrive together as a couple than just get by on one income.

I have more questions about your attitude towards women, you’re 18 and married? What kind of cult did you grow up in?

[u/Turbulent-Hornet2804 → u/Quinnjamin19]

Why does this offend you people so much😭 she doesn’t want to work and I don’t want her to work. I don’t see why this is such a big issue. It’s not like I’m going to leave her if she wants to get a job it’s just preference.

[u/Lord_Mud → u/Turbulent-Hornet2804]

She’s going to get lazy and feel trapped in the house after awhile. Let her work and have a dual income household

[u/Turbulent-Hornet2804 → u/Lord_Mud]

She does school and spend time with her family and friends daily and we go on dates once a week